Coco Gauff’s former coach Pere Riba is optimistic about her future following their split. He firmly believes she has the potential to become world No. 1 next year.
In June 2023, Pere Riba became the coach of the American tennis star. Under Riba’s guidance, along with Brad Gilbert, who joined later in August, Goff won three titles: the Citi Open, the Cincinnati Open and the U.S. Open.
Coco Gauff’s victory at the US Open helped her win her first Grand Slam title, becoming the first teenager to achieve the feat since Serena Williams in 1999.
Pere Riba told Spanish news outlet Marca on Tuesday (October 31) that he will not continue as coach of Coco Gauff, citing family issues. He is proud of what they have achieved together and expressed confidence that she will be a top player on the WTA Tour next year.
“Due to personal family issues. I am very satisfied with the work we have done together because all the goals have been achieved and I believe that next year Gauff will be the number one,” Pere Riba said.
During Riba’s tenure as Gauff’s coach, she reached a career-high world ranking of No. 3, behind No. 2 Iga Swiatek and No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. .
Darren Cahill discusses Pere Riba’s contribution to Coco Gauff’s recent success
In September 2023, former Australian tennis player and tennis coach Darren Cahill discussed Brad Gilbert vs. Coco Gauff on the podcast “Advantage Connors” The impact of the game and the improvements it has made since joining forces with her.
“He made sure she walked a lot and played her best. As you know, a lot of good coaching comes from selling belief and giving players belief, first by letting them see that they can care about them, that they believe in them and that they’re willing to do whatever it takes Make yourself a better tennis player at the cost. Brad is definitely that person,” he said.
Cahill also said credit should be given to Pere Riba. He noted that Riba was at the same time as Brad Gilbert at Goff, and noted that having a great coach and a supportive team environment are critical to the success of a dual-coaching setup.
“But I think some credit should also go to the other coach who has been with her since Wimbledon started. He was with her around the same time and in order for a two-coaching team to work, you have to have a great coach. “The coaching and the environment within the team are great,” Cahill said.
Prior to working with Coco Gauff, Brad Gilbert coached several tennis legends, including Andre Agassi, Andy Murray and Andy Roddick, among others.
Meanwhile, Pere Riba co-founded GRTennis in Barcelona, focusing on the development of youth and professional players, and will coach Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen from 2021 to 2023.